Vaccinations For Coronavirus Urged For Dogs

April 27, 1986|By Deborah Lawson, Knight-Ridder Newspapers.

An increased incidence of canine coronavirus, a gastrointestinal disease that resembles parvovirus and frequently is confused with it, has caused veterinarians to urge dog owners to have their animals immunized with shots that first became available last summer.

A study by scientists at the Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine showed that coronavirus occurred in 26 percent of family- owned and 30 percent of kennel dogs tested. Canines exhibited at shows or allowed to run loose--situations that put them in contact with many other dogs --experience increased risk, as the disease is spread by direct contact with the feces of an infected dog or with contaminated objects.

Coronavirus affects canines of all ages, but puppies are the most severely debilitated. John Schnackel, a veterinarian at Ft. Dodge (Ia.)

Laboratories, which developed the new vaccine, reports: ``It is not uncommon for all dogs in a particular kennel to come down with coronavirus within 36 hours.``

Veterinarian Kenneth Rubin of the Mt. Airy Animal Hospital in Philadelphia says: ``Coronavirus is very similar to parvovirus, and though the degree of mortality from coronavirus is somewhat lower, it should be avoided because it debilitates the animal so severely that it is weakened and subject to a number of other diseases.``

The Merck Veterinary Manual lists early signs of the disease as lethargy, lack of appetite and depression, followed by sudden onset of vomiting. Diarrhea, often lasting up to 10 days, ranges from moderate to severe. Dehydration, weight loss and death can follow.

William Ryan, Ft. Dodge Laboratories veterinarian, recommends that breeders immunize puppies against the disease at the age of 2 weeks and again at 6 weeks. Dogs aged 6 months and older can be given a single injection and then receive a booster once a year.

A good feature of the vaccine is that it can be given in conjunction with other shots. Consult your veterinarian about this protection for your pet.